Arsenal's Saliba reflects on season-ending injury

William Saliba is arguably one of Arsenal's best signings in recent years, with the French defender key last season to Mikel Arteta's title-chasers. Unfortunately for the French international, a back injury took him out of the race in March, and put him on the sidelines as his team watched the Premier League title slip into Manchester City's hands.

The 22-year-old signed a contract extension on Friday, and then opened up to 'Metro' about what the experience was like at the end of last season.

"Honestly, it was so, so, so hard to let my team play without me," he began, "Football is like this but it was really, really hard to not help my team in these moments".

He acknowledged how crucial the end of the season was for the team: "It was very hard because it was the last two months. It’s the moment when every game is so important. It was really, really hard, but you know when you have an injury, you have to learn and come back stronger".

The French international is excited for his second season in the first team, as the squad begin their preseason training: "And now I can’t wait to play again. I’m so, so hungry to play on. I can’t wait to be on the pitch. I had a little break and after I went to Marbella to do my rehab with the staff. It was good but of course I was waiting for the pre-season".